Small Force Research Articles

Measuring Integrin Force Loading Rates Using a Two-Step DNA Tension Sensor.

Cells apply forces to extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands through transmembrane integrin receptors: an interaction which is intimately involved in cell motility, wound healing, cancer invasion and metastasis. These small (piconewton) integrin-ECM forces have been studied by molecular tension fluorescence microscopy (MTFM), which utilizes a force-induced conformational change of a probe to detect mechanical events. MTFM has revealed the force magnitude for integrin receptors in a variety of cell models including primary cells. However, force dynamics and specifically the force loading rate (LR) have important implications in receptor signaling and adhesion formation and remain poorly characterized. Here, we develop an LR probe composed of an engineered DNA structure that undergoes two mechanical transitions at distinct force thresholds: a low force threshold at 4.7 pN (hairpin unfolding) and a high force threshold at 47 pN (duplex shearing). These transitions yield distinct fluorescence signatures observed through single-molecule fluorescence microscopy in live cells. Automated analysis of tens of thousands of events from eight cells showed that the bond lifetime of integrins that engage their ligands and transmit a force >4.7 pN decays exponentially with a τ of 45.6 s. A subset of these events mature in magnitude to >47 pN with a median loading rate of 1.1 pN s-1 and primarily localize at the periphery of the cell-substrate junction. The LR probe design is modular and can be adapted to measure force ramp rates for a broad range of mechanoreceptors and cell models, thus aiding in the study of molecular mechanotransduction in living systems.

Enzyme Engineering by Force: DNA Springs for the Modulation of Biocatalytic Trajectories.

The engineering of enzymatic activity generally involves alteration of the protein primary sequences, which introduce structural changes that give rise to functional improvements. Mechanical forces have been used to interrogate protein biophysics, leading to deep mechanistic insights in single-molecule studies. Here, we use simple DNA springs to apply small pulling forces to perturb the active site of a thermostable alcohol dehydrogenase. Methods were developed to enable the study of different spring lengths and spring orientations under bulk catalysis conditions. Tension applied across the active site expanded the binding pocket volume and shifted the preference of the enzyme for longer chain-length substrates, which could be tuned by altering the spring length and the resultant applied force. The substrate specificity changes did not occur when the DNA spring was either severed or rotated by ∼90°. These findings demonstrate an alternative approach in protein engineering, where active site architectures can be dynamically and reversibly remodeled using applied mechanical forces.

Dynamic responses of normal and partially failed piezoelectric stack actuators under sinusoidal voltages with DC biasing

Piezoelectric (PZT) stack actuators are widely used in many fields due to the advantages such as small stroke and high force output. However, failures of one or more PZT layers may exist in PZT stacks and then have influences on their performances. This paper investigates dynamic responses of normal and partially failed PZT stack actuators, in order to evaluate the influences of a failed layer at different positions and furthermore explore the rules, which is of great significance for understanding and improving the performances of partially failed PZT stack actuators. Firstly, a group of experiments were performed and responses of PZT stacks were obtained under sinusoidal voltages with DC biasing. Then a multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) spring-mass system was built as a theoretical model which was verified by the experimental results to simulate output responses of PZT stack actuators. Based on that, the influences of a failed PZT layer at different positions in the stack were obtained by solving the model under various conditions. The results reveal that the farther the failed PZT layer is from the fixed end, the more significant the influences on the displacement or force output of the PZT stack are. Moreover, the rules of influences of a failed PZT layer at different positions were expressed as a general formula which can be used to better understand, evaluate or identify health conditions of PZT stack actuators.

Development and evaluation of vesicourethral anastomosis bench-top model for measurement of traction force on urethra in robotic surgery.

In vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA), which is part of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, surgeons must proceed carefully to avoid urethral damage. We developed and evaluated a VUA bench-top model that can measure the traction force on the urethra during robotic surgery. The VUA model included the urethra, bladder, pelvic bones, and a small force sensor that was capable of measuring the traction force on the urethra. Eight skilled and eight novice urologists performed a VUA task in robotic surgery. The skilled surgeons assessed the model's realism and usefulness as a training tool using a 5-point Likert scale. The evaluation items [task time, maximum force, force volume, and length of time that specific excessive forces were applied to the urethra (2, 3, 4, and ≥ 5 N)] were compared between the skilled and novice surgeons using the Mann-Whitney U test. Measurements were conducted in four directions with respect to the maximum force on the urethra: 11-1, 2-4, 5-7, and 8-10 o'clock. The quality of the model was scored 3.7 to 4.9 points for all 16 items in 4 domains except for "Usefulness compared with animal models." There were differences in the task time and almost all force parameters between the skilled and novice surgeons. We developed a relatively high-quality VUA bench-top model that measures traction force on the urethra, and we have revealed differences in the forces of action on the urethra in two groups of surgeons with different skill levels.

MatDEM-based study of disc cutter force model in open TBM tunnels: Incorporating installation radius and synergistic effects

The prediction of rock cutting force is critical for tunnel boring machine performance and cutterhead design. This paper presents a novel model for rock cutting force prediction based on the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) model, which incorporates the installation position of disc cutters by introducing installation radius and synergistic effect factors. Linear cutting tests in the laboratory and large-scale rotary cutting simulations in MatDEM software were conducted to examine the impact of these factors. Results indicate that the normal and rolling forces increase and stabilize as the installation radius increases. The synergistic effect produces three force modes in a cutting circle, with mode α having the largest cutting force, mode β having a smaller force, and mode γ having the smallest force. The impact of installation radius and synergistic effect varies with rock-cutter parameters. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine the introduced factors. The proposed model was validated with rock strength and operation data from the Irtysh River conveyance project. The results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the CSM model in predicting cutting force in field conditions.

Experimental and numerical investigation on low-velocity impact damage and parametric study of composite rotor blades

Modern helicopter rotor blades are made of composite materials. Due to the harsh service environment, the blades may be impacted by hail and other falling objects at low velocity. The damage behavior of composite rotor blades subjected to low-velocity impact is studied here. Low-velocity impact experiment is conducted on a composite helicopter rotor blade, and the impact force and the damage are measured. Based on the experiment, a finite element model is developed and validated to predict the impact damage of the blade. With the model, a parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of impact energy, impact locations, and foam core on impact responses of the composite blades. The results show that the rib is the most vulnerable part to damage, associated with severe deformation, and delamination rapid expanding under low-velocity impact. The foam crush region is close to the blade top surface below the impact point. The interface between the skin and internal part is especially sensitive to increase in impact energy. Impacts near the leading edge produce higher impact force, while impacts near the trailing edge cause large deformation and small impact force. Better impact performance will be achieved when modulus and density of the foam are increased.

A Chemo-Mechanically Coupled DNA Origami Clamp Capable of Generating Robust Compression Forces.

DNA nanostructures have been utilized to study biological mechanical processes and construct artificial nanosystems. Many application scenarios necessitate nanodevices able to robustly generate large single molecular forces. However, most existing dynamic DNA nanostructures are triggered by probabilistic hybridization reactions between spatially separated DNA strands, which only non-deterministically generate relatively small compression forces (≈0.4 piconewtons (pN)). Here, an intercalator-triggered dynamic DNA origami nanostructure is developed, where large amounts of local binding reactions between intercalators and the nanostructure collectively lead to the robust generation of relatively large compression forces (≈11.2 pN). Biomolecular loads with different stiffnesses, 3, 4, and 6-helix DNA bundles are efficiently bent by the compression forces. This work provides a robust and powerful force-generation tool for building highly chemo-mechanically coupled molecular machines in synthetic nanosystems.

Optimum Design of Coaxial Hydraulic Sealing Systems Made from Polytetrafluoroethylene and Its Compounds

Fluidic actuation systems are optimizable as to energy consumption by reducing the friction in the hydraulic cylinders. Polymeric materials with special antifriction properties and good resistance to hydraulic fluids can be deployed to enhance the performance of hydraulic cylinders. Small friction forces can also be ensured by facilitating the hydrodynamic separation of the elements of the friction tribosystem, namely the seal and sealed-off surface, respectively. The study presented in this paper analyzed the hydrodynamic separation phenomenon in hydraulic cylinders with coaxial sealing systems of the pistons. The process underlying the forming of the fluid film between the seal and its contact surface was considered and the formula for calculating film thickness was deduced. This paper presents graphs that describe the variation of the fluid film thickness versus the dimensional and material characteristics of the sealing systems. The study yielded recommendations as to the most adequate polymeric material to be used and the optimum dimensional characteristics of the seal.

Neuromorphic Sensor Based on Force-Sensing Resistors.

This work introduces a neuromorphic sensor (NS) based on force-sensing resistors (FSR) and spiking neurons for robotic systems. The proposed sensor integrates the FSR in the schematic of the spiking neuron in order to make the sensor generate spikes with a frequency that depends on the applied force. The performance of the proposed sensor is evaluated in the control of a SMA-actuated robotic finger by monitoring the force during a steady state when the finger pushes on a tweezer. For comparison purposes, we performed a similar evaluation when the SNN received input from a widely used compression load cell (CLC). The results show that the proposed FSR-based neuromorphic sensor has very good sensitivity to low forces and the function between the spiking rate and the applied force is continuous, with good variation range. However, when compared to the CLC, the response of the NS follows a logarithmic-like function with improved sensitivity for small forces. In addition, the power consumption of NS is 128 µW that is 270 times lower than that of the CLC which needs 3.5 mW to operate. These characteristics make the neuromorphic sensor with FSR suitable for bioinspired control of humanoid robotics, representing a low-power and low-cost alternative to the widely used sensors.

Fretting Wear Behaviors of Silicone Rubber under Dry Friction and Different Lubrication Conditions.

The fretting wear behaviors of silicone rubber under dry friction and different lubrication conditions are studied experimentally. Water, engine oil, dimethyl silicone oil (DSO), and dimethyl silicone oil doped with graphene oxide (DSO/GO) are selected as lubricants. Under the liquid lubrication conditions, the silicone rubber samples are always immersed in the same volume of lubricant. The contact model of a 440C steel ball and silicone rubber sample is the sphere-on-flat contact. The reciprocating fretting wear experiments are carried out using the reciprocating friction wear tester. A scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional white-light interference profilometer are used to detect the surface wear morphology and obtain the wear volume, respectively. The influences of normal force, lubrication condition, and displacement amplitude on fretting wear behavior are discussed. The fretting wear performances of silicone rubber under different fretting states and lubrication conditions are compared. The results show that for a small normal force, silicone rubber has the best wear resistance under DSO/GO lubrication. While for a large normal force, silicone rubber has the best wear resistance under engine oil lubrication.

Kinematics, kinetics, and new insights from a contemporary analysis of the first experiments to produce cervical facet dislocations in the laboratory.

The first experimental study to produce cervical facet dislocation (CFD) in cadaver specimens captured the vertebral motions and axial forces that are important for understanding the injury mechanics. However, these data were not reported in the original manuscript, nor been presented in the limited subsequent studies of experimental CFD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to re-examine the analog data from the first experimental study to determine the local and global spinal motions, and applied axial force, at and preceding CFD. In the original study, quasistatic axial loading was applied to 14 cervical spines by compressing them between two metal plates. Specimens were fixed caudally via a steel spindle positioned within the spinal canal and a bone pin through the inferior-most vertebral body. Global rotation of the occiput was restricted but its anterior translation was unconstrained. The instant of CFD was identified on sagittal cineradiograph films (N = 10), from which global and intervertebral kinematics were also calculated. Corresponding axial force data (N = 6) were extracted, and peak force and force at the instant of injury were determined. CFD occurred in eight specimens, with an intervertebral flexion angle of 34.8 ± 5.6 degrees, and a 3.1 ± 1.9 mm increase in anterior translation, at the injured level. For seven specimens, CFD was produced at the level of transition from upper neck lordosis to lower neck kyphosis. Five specimens with force data underwent CFD at 545 ± 147 N, preceded by a peak axial force (755 ± 233 N) that appeared to coincide with either fracture or soft tissue failure. Re-examining this rich dataset has provided quantitative evidence that small axial compression forces, combined with anterior eccentricity and upper neck extension, can cause flexion and shear in the lower neck, leading to soft tissue rupture and CFD.

A simple structure with two different linear regimes

We perform an asymptotic static analysis on a simple two degrees of freedom structure, made up of a highly stiff bar and two springs, which shows two different linear behaviours and different finite stiffness depending on the magnitude of an applied static force. Both regimes as well as the non-linear transition between them occur in the framework of small forces and displacements. The problem gives physical insight to the relations between linearity and small displacement hypothesis and it is suitable for a first course in asymptotic analysis to students with basic skills in structural or rational mechanics.

Simulation and Experiments on Sealing and Extrusion Failure on Application of Deep-Sea Adsorption by Differential Pressure

Abstract Negative pressure adsorption can make use of deep-sea environmental pressure to provide a great adsorption force and it is a suitable fixed method for deep-sea applications. However, the deep-sea environment puts forward higher requirements for the sealing performance of negative pressure suction cups, so a more adaptable suction cup sealing device is needed. In this paper, a deep-sea adsorption device with rigid suction cups is designed, and the suction cup is sealed by O-ring. The influence of both section diameter and inner diameter of the O-ring on its preload, suction force, and extrusion failure is tested and analyzed. Moreover, the fitting formula is given to guide the selection of the section diameter and inner diameter of the O-ring. Furthermore, according to the summary of the experimental phenomenon, dual-accumulators configuration with stage pressures method is created, and the theoretical basis that the suction cup can achieve a larger suction force under the condition of a small preload force is given, which can provide a reference for the design of deep-sea adsorption devices and sealing structure.

Biomechanical mechanisms of anterior cruciate ligament injury in the jerk dip phase of clean and jerk: A case study of an injury event captured on-site

BackgroundWeightlifting exposes athletes to significant loads, potentially placing the knee joint in an abnormal mechanical environment and leading to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Once an ACL injury occurs, it can affect athletes’ competitive ability to varying degrees and even prematurely end their career. Understanding the biomechanical mechanisms of ACL injuries in weightlifters helps in comprehensively understanding the stress patterns and degrees on ACL during human movement, and identifying potential injury-causing factors, thereby enabling the implementation of appropriate preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of injuries. This study aimed to explore the biomechanical mechanisms of ACL injuries during the jerk dip phase of clean and jerk in weightlifters, providing a theoretical basis for the prevention of ACL injuries in weightlifting sports. MethodsThis study utilized the German SIMI Motion 10.2 movement analysis system and the AnyBody simulation system to analyze the kinematic and dynamic parameters of a 109 kg + class weightlifter (height: 191 cm, age: 22 years, weight: 148 kg, athletic level: elite) performing a 205 kg clean and jerk (non-injured) and a 210 kg clean and jerk (ACL injury occurred). The differences in kinematic and dynamic indicators of lower limb joints under injured and non-injured jerk dip conditions were investigated. ResultsKnee joint torque during non-injured clean and jerk was consistently positive (i.e., external rotation) but turned from positive to negative (i.e., from external rotation to internal rotation) during injured clean and jerk and reached a maximum internal rotation torque of 21.34 Nm at the moment of injury. At every moment, the muscle activation and simulated muscle force of the quadriceps and gastrocnemius during the injured clean and jerk were higher than those during the non-injured clean and jerk. By contrast, the muscle activation and simulated muscle force of the semitendinosus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris, and soleus during non-injured clean and jerk were higher than those during injured clean and jerk. The knee joint internal rotation angle during injured clean and jerk first increased and then declined, reaching a peak at 46.93° at the moment of injury, whereas it gradually increased during non-injured clean and jerk. The proximal tibia on the left side during the injured clean and jerk moved forward faster by 0.76 m/s compared with that during the non-injured clean and jerk. ConclusionsThe small muscle activation and simulated muscle force of the hamstring and soleus could not resist timely and effectively the large muscle activation and simulated muscle force of the quadriceps (especially the medial quad) and gastrocnemius. As such, the force applied to the ACL could exceed its ultimate load-bearing capacity. Kinematic indicators in the athlete's injured lift demonstrated certain disparities from those in their non-injured lift. Knee internal rotation and tibial anterior translation during the jerk dip phase of weightlifting might be the kinematic characteristics of ACL injuries.

Treatment of flexibility of protein backbone in simulations of protein–ligand interactions using steered molecular dynamics

To ensure that an external force can break the interaction between a protein and a ligand, the steered molecular dynamics simulation requires a harmonic restrained potential applied to the protein backbone. A usual practice is that all or a certain number of protein’s heavy atoms or Cα atoms are fixed, being restrained by a small force. This present study reveals that while fixing both either all heavy atoms and or all Cα atoms is not a good approach, while fixing a too small number of few atoms sometimes cannot prevent the protein from rotating under the influence of the bulk water layer, and the pulled molecule may smack into the wall of the active site. We found that restraining the Cα atoms under certain conditions is more relevant. Thus, we would propose an alternative solution in which only the Cα atoms of the protein at a distance larger than 1.2 nm from the ligand are restrained. A more flexible, but not too flexible, protein will be expected to lead to a more natural release of the ligand.

Fretting Wear Behavior of Fluorine Rubber and Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced Fluorine Rubber Matrix Composites

The fretting wear behavior of fluorine rubber (FKM) and short carbon fiber (SCF) reinforced fluorine rubber matrix composites (SCF/FKMCs) is investigated experimentally under air condition. Four kinds of SCF/FKMCs with different SCF concentrations (5 phr, 10 phr, 15 phr, and 20 phr in every 100 phr of FKM) are considered. The contact model utilizes the sphere-on-flat contact between a 440 C stainless steel ball and an FKM or SCF/FKMCs coating perfectly bonded to a ceramic sheet in fretting experiments. The impacts of SCF concentration, normal force, and displacement amplitude on the fretting wear behavior are investigated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to analyze the fretting wear surface morphology and wear mechanism, while three-dimensional (3D) white-light interference profilometer is used to describe the characteristics of 3D surface wear profile and determine the wear volume. The fretting wear performances of FKM and SCF/FKMCs with different SCF concentrations are compared under different fretting test conditions. The results show that adding an appropriate amount of SCFs to FKM can improve wear resistance and reduce the coefficient of friction (COF). SCF/FKMC with SCF concentration of 15 phr has the smallest COF. SCF/FKMCs with SCF concentration of 5 phr or 15 phr have the best wear resistance for small normal force or large displacement amplitude.

Secretin Inhibits Small Intestinal Motility via Interstitial Cells of Cajal and cAMP Mechanisms

Background: Secretin is a member of the secretin-glucagon-vasoactive intestinal peptide hormone superfamily and is a multifunctional gastrointestinal- (GI) and neuro- peptide hormone. Secretin is primarily secreted postprandially from the crypts of Lieberkühn of duodenal enteroendocrine S cells into circulation where it reaches secretin receptor targets in the central nervous system and periphery. This dynamic hormone has been shown to act as a key signaling molecule in the regulation of digestion, metabolism and energy expenditure, water retention, reproduction, thermogenesis in adipose tissue, and in gastric and intestinal motility. Secretin’s canonical role in the GI tract is to stimulate the secretion of bicarbonate and bile from pancreatic ducts and bile ducts to neutralize acidic chyme exiting the stomach. Secretin has also been shown to slow intestinal motility, but its targets and mechanism of action is poorly understood. Aims: Several studies have proposed that secretin acts to slow intestinal motility in the intestines primarily through the many secretin receptors present on vagal afferents in the GI tract, here we discuss new data that suggests an alternate and complementary signaling pathway via interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). ICC act as a liaison to facilitate a reduction in force of GI smooth muscle contraction through the activation of the secretin receptor (SCTR) and subsequent stimulation of the second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). Here we provide evidence to show how ICC mediates changes in myogenic activity and motility in the small intestine. Methods: Spinning-disk confocal microscopy was used to monitor Ca2+ signaling in ICC from small intestinal muscles of GCaMP6f x KitiCre mice. Additionally, cAMP levels were evaluated using CAMPER mice. Intestinal muscle contractility was assessed using muscle strip myography experiments. Results: Secretin reduced small intestinal force of contraction in the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX) and dampened the effect of cholinergic transmission. The secretin receptor (SCTR) is expressed primarily on ICC, specifically ICC within the deep muscular plexus (ICC-DMP) in the small intestine and Ca2+ imaging confirmed the effects are primarily localized within ICC-DMP. Secretin reduced carbachol-induced contractions and Ca2+ transients in ICC-DMP in response to electrical field stimulation (EFS) in the presence of LNNA (NO synthase inhibitor) and MRS2500 (P2Y1 antagonist). Secretin caused an increase in cAMP levels in ICC-DMP in muscles from Kit-iCre-CAMPER mice. PKA inhibitors rescued some of the effects of secretin on ICC-DMP Ca2+ signaling. Measurements of diameter change in large, intact, intestinal segments (4-5 cm) showed a significant decrease in response to Secretin. Conclusions: Secretin can inhibit small intestinal motility through the activation SCTRs on ICC-DMP via cAMP-mediated mechanisms. These results show how novel secretin targets on ICC influence GI muscles and reduce propulsive and segmental motility to facilitate nutrient absorption and digestion after a meal. Funding: This project was supported by R01 DK-120759 from the National Institute of Diabetes and digestive and Kidney (NIDDK). This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Exploring the Needle Tip Interaction Force with Retinal Tissue Deformation in Vitreoretinal Surgery.

Recent advancements in age-related macular degeneration treatments necessitate precision delivery into the subretinal space, emphasizing minimally invasive procedures targeting the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)-Bruch's membrane complex without causing trauma. Even for skilled surgeons, the inherent hand tremors during manual surgery can jeopardize the safety of these critical interventions. This has fostered the evolution of robotic systems designed to prevent such tremors. These robots are enhanced by FBG sensors, which sense the small force interactions between the surgical instruments and retinal tissue. To enable the community to design algorithms taking advantage of such force feedback data, this paper focuses on the need to provide a specialized dataset, integrating optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging together with the aforementioned force data. We introduce a unique dataset, integrating force sensing data synchronized with OCT B-scan images, derived from a sophisticated setup involving robotic assistance and OCT integrated microscopes. Furthermore, we present a neural network model for image-based force estimation to demonstrate the dataset's applicability.

Li Doping‐Mediated Ultrahigh Current Generation from Flexible 2D MoS2 Nanosheets‐Based Nanogenerators

Engineering piezoelectric properties of 2D nanosheets is crucial to design high‐performance piezoelectric nanogenerator devices to scavenge mechanical energy. Herein, highly crystalline 2D Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets are grown by the simple and cost‐effective hydrothermal method. High‐resolution transmission electron microscope and Raman analysis confirm the hexagonal crystal structure and formation of few‐layered MoS2 nanosheets with thickness of 3 nm and length of about 500 nm. Piezoelectric force microscopy study reveals the nanoscale high piezoelectric charge coefficient of 130 pm V−1 from few‐layered Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets. Surprisingly, the piezoelectric flexible nanogenerator fabricated from Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets exhibits very high output voltage of 13.5 V and ultrahigh current density of 30 μA cm−2 even under small compressive force. A very high dielectric constant of 28117 is observed from Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets, which is almost 10 times higher than pristine MoS2 nanosheets (2320). The high output voltage and charge generation mechanism are also discussed in terms of the Li‐mediated defect passivation and formation of the nanodipole in the nanosheets.

Large-ratio stiffness switching via harnessing the in-plane buckling and bi-stability of high-load capacity composite laminates

Stiffness tuning is crucial in developing many advanced engineering systems such as morphing aircraft, soft robotics, etc. Achieving a significant stiffness change while maintaining a high load-bearing capacity in compression is a challenging task. This study addressed this challenge by exploiting the in-plane buckling and bistability of asymmetric carbon fiber composite laminates. Due to the inverted curvatures of these laminates at their two stable states, they showed two distinct in-plane compression behaviors—stiff response where the laminate behaved like a thin curved column (with a stiffness coefficient near 68 N mm−1), and compliant response where the laminate acted like a soft non-linear spring (with stiffness near 0.7 N mm−1). As a result, a simple snap-though between these two stable states offered a significant stiffness change, with a high/low stiffness ratio of ≈97. By using extensive finite element simulations, experimentation, and a semi-empirical curved plate buckling model, this study examined the mechanics underpinning the laminate’s 3-step buckling and the influences of asymmetric boundary contacts with friction. Additionally, three strategies to enhance the laminate’s performance—adjusting the aspect ratio, applying lateral loads, and parallel stacking were examined. It also demonstrated cellular structure concepts using these bistable laminates. Remarkably, by simply adding a small lateral in-plane force (e.g., a rubber band), one could substantially increase the stiffness ratio of the composite laminates to ≈200 and load-bearing capacity at the stiff configuration, outperforming the state-of-art variable stiffness methods.